Low Birth Weight Impairs Acquisition of Spatial Memory Task in Pigs.

ABSTRACT: In commercial pig farming, an increasing number of low birth weight (LBW) piglets are born, due to selection for large litter sizes. While LBW piglets have a higher risk of pre-weaning mortality, a considerable number of these piglets survive to slaughter age. In humans, LBW is a risk factor for long-term cognitive impairments. In pigs, studies examining the post-weaning effects of LBW on cognition have reported contradictory results. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effects of LBW on cognitive development in pigs using an improved study design, by (1) testing a larger sample size than previous studies, (2) assessing acute and chronic stress responses to account for a potential altered stress response in LBW pigs, and (3) testing both female and male pigs to account for pot

SUBMITTER: Roelofs S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6028702 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature